Diabetes has become a major problem for the industrialized world. In 1985 around 30 million people world-wide had diabetes. 10 years later almost 135 million people had diabetes. The latest WHO estimate for the year 2000 is that 177 million people world-wide have diabetes with a change that this number will increase to at least 300 million by the year 2025. Diabetes-related death has been underestimated for a long time.
The costs for the health care system are enormous and it is estimated that 2-15% of the total annual health care budget are spent. It is therefore, crucial for every diabetic patient to self-monitor the glucose level in the blood. Sometimes this procedure is called 'SMBG' or ‘self-monitoring of blood glucose’.
Nowadays it is relatively easy to test for glucose. Hygiene is very important and before you do the reading you should wash your hand thoroughly first. It is recommended that hand are disinfected with alcohol. Then, take a sterile lancet and prick your finger tip. Place a small drop of blood on a test strip which is then placed in a glucose meter. You have to follow the instruction of the glucose meter carefully, as the procedure might change if you use different brands. The reading of the actual glucose content can be performed in different ways.
Many new models and meter types are available. Where some meters read the amount of electricity that ‘travels’ through the blood sample others may measure the reflection of light as this depends on the glucose level present in the blood. Modern glucose meters can record glucose concentration in the blood over a broad range – from as low as 0 mg/dL to 600 mg/dL. Furthermore, pay attention what ‘type’ of glucose you are monitoring, as meters can measure ‘whole blood glucose’ level or just plasma glucose.
Glucose Meter: Take a Minute to Shop
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, one of your first steps will likely be to find a glucose meter. Cost is a major issue for most people, but there’s good news if you have any kind of medical insurance. A glucose meter is typically considered to be a vital part of medical treatment and insurance companies often pay for a portion or the entire cost of the meter. At the same time, there is sometimes a limit on the amount the insurance company will pay, and that may severely limit your options.
While cost is naturally important, remember that you’re going to be living this life from now on. Finding a cheaper glucose meter that requires a more serious stick for blood may seem like the best option when you’re writing the check for the meter, but the tedium of the daily stick may negate that cost in the long run.
There are some companies out there that help with the cost of a glucose meter if you meet specific income guidelines. This may be a good answer if your quandary about which meter to buy is purely based on financial restraints. Remember that Medicare often pays on this important testing equipment as well. Your doctor, druggist or representative of a local medical supply company may also be good sources of information about how to find the best deals and how to get help paying for a glucose meter.
Finding a very inexpensive glucose meter may be the best answer to this situation. If the meter is accurate, it’ll get you through the initial period of adjusting your life to the regular testing of your blood sugar. Then take time to do some research into what’s hot and what’s not in glucose meters. You’ll find that some make absolutely ridiculous claims and you may have to ask some questions to find those companies that produce the glucose meter that will work best for you and your lifestyle.
One of the great things about the Internet is that it’s created a global community for discussions of topics such as diabetes. You’ll find there are a number of forums that will allow you to talk to others facing your situation.
The costs for the health care system are enormous and it is estimated that 2-15% of the total annual health care budget are spent. It is therefore, crucial for every diabetic patient to self-monitor the glucose level in the blood. Sometimes this procedure is called 'SMBG' or ‘self-monitoring of blood glucose’.
Nowadays it is relatively easy to test for glucose. Hygiene is very important and before you do the reading you should wash your hand thoroughly first. It is recommended that hand are disinfected with alcohol. Then, take a sterile lancet and prick your finger tip. Place a small drop of blood on a test strip which is then placed in a glucose meter. You have to follow the instruction of the glucose meter carefully, as the procedure might change if you use different brands. The reading of the actual glucose content can be performed in different ways.
Many new models and meter types are available. Where some meters read the amount of electricity that ‘travels’ through the blood sample others may measure the reflection of light as this depends on the glucose level present in the blood. Modern glucose meters can record glucose concentration in the blood over a broad range – from as low as 0 mg/dL to 600 mg/dL. Furthermore, pay attention what ‘type’ of glucose you are monitoring, as meters can measure ‘whole blood glucose’ level or just plasma glucose.
Glucose Meter: Take a Minute to Shop
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, one of your first steps will likely be to find a glucose meter. Cost is a major issue for most people, but there’s good news if you have any kind of medical insurance. A glucose meter is typically considered to be a vital part of medical treatment and insurance companies often pay for a portion or the entire cost of the meter. At the same time, there is sometimes a limit on the amount the insurance company will pay, and that may severely limit your options.
While cost is naturally important, remember that you’re going to be living this life from now on. Finding a cheaper glucose meter that requires a more serious stick for blood may seem like the best option when you’re writing the check for the meter, but the tedium of the daily stick may negate that cost in the long run.
There are some companies out there that help with the cost of a glucose meter if you meet specific income guidelines. This may be a good answer if your quandary about which meter to buy is purely based on financial restraints. Remember that Medicare often pays on this important testing equipment as well. Your doctor, druggist or representative of a local medical supply company may also be good sources of information about how to find the best deals and how to get help paying for a glucose meter.
Finding a very inexpensive glucose meter may be the best answer to this situation. If the meter is accurate, it’ll get you through the initial period of adjusting your life to the regular testing of your blood sugar. Then take time to do some research into what’s hot and what’s not in glucose meters. You’ll find that some make absolutely ridiculous claims and you may have to ask some questions to find those companies that produce the glucose meter that will work best for you and your lifestyle.
One of the great things about the Internet is that it’s created a global community for discussions of topics such as diabetes. You’ll find there are a number of forums that will allow you to talk to others facing your situation.
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